COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 10, 2017

QUESTION NO.6

QUESTION: Councillor W. Lavelle

To ask the Chief Executive to outline the level of service offered by this Council in terms of graffiti removal (i.e. is it five days a week?) and to further advise on any measures or reforms that may be introduced to expedite graffiti removal?

REPLY:

South Dublin County Council is responsible for ensuring that public roads are kept litter free (including graffiti) in so far as it is practically possible, and the prevention of the creation of litter through the following measures:

The following is an outline of part of the Council's strategy to deliver an integrated approach to elimination of graffiti.

Reports of graffiti are examined by our Litter Warden Service for the area to inspect with a view to establishing whether the graffiti is on (a) utility box (b) private property or (c) public property.

A)    If graffiti is on a utility box the Litter Warden Service identifies the owner (ESB, Eircom, Bord Gais, etc.) and the location is then referred to the relevant utility company requesting removal in line with MOU which are in place and which are the subject of regular review.  These MOU’s set out agreed procedures to deal with illegal dumping of graffiti (and waste and litter) at sub-stations, and other utility premises and structures in South Dublin County Council’s administrative area

B)    If graffiti is on private property a notice issues to the owner requesting removal.  The Protocol published with the Litter Management Plan 2015-2019 provided for the potential to engage with private property owners to assist with removal of graffiti subject to agreement on costs and insurance indemnity.  However, to date there has been no take up on this proposal.

C)    If graffiti is on public (Council) property the Council arranges for removal.  This includes removal by direct labour, and activity in this area is expected to intensify.  There is also a longstanding arrangement with our contractor. 

There is continuous assessment of benefits and rewards available under the Social Credits Scheme and as groups develop and engage in the Social Credits Scheme more requests are being received and approved for assistance with removal of Graffiti.

The concept of placing art of utility boxes in the County is currently being explored.  Following liaison with Dublin City Council who have engaged in such an initiative, and based on that liaison, the project necessitates the consideration of budgetary and procurement requirements, planning permission requirements, insurance requirements, cross departmental liaison and external stakeholder collaboration. While it it not possible to initiate such a scheme during 2017, the position remain under review in terms of potential for 2018.

Interdepartmental collaboration is also currently taking place to establish a more proactive and positive approach to managing the problem of graffiti on all council property including signage and public lighting poles.